It's interesting that there is so much ridicule and anger about a philosophical system. I think there are a lot of misconceptions about Buddhism and if I can help you better understand it would be my honor, if not that's ok too.
Best to all of you.
2007-03-09 00:45:08 · 23 answers · asked by Yogini 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No, no sarcasm at all. Just asking an honest question. But thank you for your responses.
2007-03-09 00:51:59 · update #1
I must not be on at the same time or something, because I haven't seen the ridicule and anger toward Buddhism that you are addressing here.
Most of the people I interact with on here (sans some fundamentalist christians) have a great deal of respect for Buddhism. I personally adore the Dalai Lama :)
Feel free to educate me. I think it's an amazing philosophical system.
Many blessings on your path,
Kallan
2007-03-09 00:54:06 · answer #1 · answered by Kallan 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I've scarcely noticed it mentioned here, but how in the world does someone critique Buddhism? The core ethics of Buddhism are found in most all major religions even though ethics are the central focus of no other religion. Do they object to non-violence? Vegetarians?
It probably annoys Christians that the Buddha came up with the Golden Rule "Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful." before Jesus was born. But of course this pre-dates Buddha as well as it is is the rational foundation of all law and taboo that requires no revelation from anyone.
In particular in Zen Buddhism, where all the religious accretions are stripped away from the essential analects of the Buddha, I cannot imagine what any theist finds objectionable other than an absence of theism. I suspect you are simply seeing cultural chauvinism, not a considered or informed rejection of Buddhism. Most of the posters here are all but wholly ignorant of their own faiths and know nothing of comparative religion. I admit that's most depressing and discouraging, but I don't think it's a specific knock on Buddhism.
2007-03-09 08:56:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are right. There are a lot of misconceptions regarding Buddhism. The biggest of which is describing Buddhism as a religion. It's not a religion, it's a concept.
Lord Buddha had no idea when he was preaching lessons of salvation that his beliefs would later be categorized as buddhism. Much later after Buddha's preachings mankind, discriminated it's followers as buddhists and coined the religion.
All the best...
:-)
2007-03-09 16:08:46 · answer #3 · answered by plato's ghost 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the main reason that it draws anger is becasue there are people that don't consider it a religion, or at least not a legitimate one. You will find that the most oppositon comes from those of a certain orientatin that feel that Buddhism questions should be contained in the mythology area. But then they think quesitons about any religion other than their own should be in that area.
2007-03-10 03:24:10 · answer #4 · answered by gotherunereadings 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm.... yeah I haven't seen much against Buddhism. Christianity, Satanism (if such a thing exists in the form that Christians want you to believe), and Muslims seem to be getting bashed the most lately. Damn shame, its just a system of belief in a higher power... no sense in arguing over something that you have NO IDEA about in the first place. Silly human nature...
2007-03-09 08:49:14 · answer #5 · answered by Alibi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think a lot of people look at Buddhism as a joke and they don't think it is a 'true religion'. I would love to learn more about Buddhism. In truth I would love to learn more about any religion I find them all fascinating.
2007-03-09 09:06:10 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism is a miror which shows them, how childish their philosophy is
It irks to know savings/heavens/hells/believings are so tiny ..in comparison to a great philosophy dealing into the mysteries of the universe
same holds true about hinduism, from which Buddhism stemmed (sankhya)
2007-03-09 12:58:05 · answer #7 · answered by ۞Aum۞ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't just call it a philosophical system. I'd call it a religion -- only one that has proven its worth practically by both avoiding the murderous tendencies of Western religion and also bringing a great deal of mental peace to people, as it corrolates well with psychotherapy.
2007-03-10 13:59:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you being sarcastic?
Buddhism actually receives a lot of respect, and if there is anything said about it negatively, it is usually stated from a standpoint of puzzlement, not antipathy.
And I must admit some puzzlement at this question.
2007-03-09 08:49:40 · answer #9 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism ROCKS!
2007-03-09 09:00:16 · answer #10 · answered by FaceFullofFashion 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋